This Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, the 40-day period before Easter, when many Christians abstain from animal foods in remembrance of Jesus’ 40 days of fasting in the desert before launching his ministry.

But meat-free Lent is much more than a symbol of religious devotion to Christ. It helps reduce the risk of chronic disease, environmental degradation, and animal abuse.

My husband, my sisters and I want to commend the personnel at Jewish South Medical Center, Bullitt County EMS, 911 Dispatch and Zoneton Fire Department for their professionalism over the last several months in responding to many 911 calls for my brother.

The care and concern they gave my brother who ultimately passed away on Jan. 20, 2015, at Jewish South was comforting at such a traumatic time.

New Year’s resolutions typically focus on self-improvement and other goals. This year why not resolve to do something even more lasting: improve the life of a child who has suffered abuse and neglect at the hands of their caregiver?

There is an estimate of over 400 children in the Bullitt County court system due to dependency, abuse and neglect.

These children are in the system due to no fault of their own. Some of these children have been removed from their homes because it is simply unsafe for them to reside there.

The students and teachers, the administrators and the service workers of Bullitt County Public Schools deserve praise for working hard in their roles. But equally deserving of praise are the members of the district’s Board of Education, not only for their work but for their leadership.

The KY Public Service Commission will soon hear a request from LG&E and KU for an increase in electric rates to all customers. LG&E wants to increase rates for natural gas as well. As this increase will induce an overall higher price in the power market, it is likely rural electric systems will pass an increase to their customers. Businesses facing higher costs will increase prices as well.